Latest Action: 09/11/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text of measure as introduced: CR S8416-8417)

Bill Text
A resolution to improve congressional oversight of the intelligence activities of the United States.

9/11/2008--Introduced.

Replaces provisions establishing in the Senate Appropriations Committee a Subcommittee on Intelligence with new provisions that: (1) give the Subcommittee exclusive jurisdiction over all funding for the National Intelligence Program (NIP); (2) direct the Subcommittee to approve for full Committee consideration an annual appropriations bill for the NIP; and (3) provide Subcommittee membership and staff.

Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Bill Text
A bill to make technical corrections to the laws affecting certain administrative authorities of the United States Capitol Police, and for other purposes.

7/31/2008--Introduced.

United States Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections Act of 2008 - Makes technical amendments to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2001 with respect to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Capitol Police. Requires the CAO to report to and serve at the pleasure of the Chief of the Capitol Police. Repeals the CAO's authority over the personnel of the Capitol Police Office of Administration.

Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2003 to authorize the Chief of Police to discipline and suspend Capitol Police employees with or without pay.

Establishes a General Counsel to the Chief of Police and the U.S. Capitol Police.

Prohibits lump sum payments to terminated U.S. Capitol Police officers or employees for unused compensatory time.

Latest Action: 07/02/2008 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Trade.

Bill Text
To require a review of existing trade agreements and renegotiation of existing trade agreements based on the review, to set terms for future trade agreements, to express the sense of the House of Representatives that the role of Congress in trade policymaking should be strengthened, and for other purposes. 6/4/2008--Introduced. Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2008, or the TRADE Act of 2008 - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to: (1) review biennially certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries; and (2) report to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee regarding such agreements, including analyses of specified subjects and of each agreement, as well as whether the country has a democratic form of government that respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws.[...]

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Latest Action: 06/04/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S5043-5044)

Bill Text
A bill to require a review of existing trade agreements and renegotiation of existing trade agreements based on the review, to set terms for future trade agreements, to express the sense of the Senate that the role of Congress in trade policymaking should be strengthened, and for other purposes. 6/4/2008--Introduced. Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment Act of 2008, or the TRADE Act of 2008 - Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to: (1) review certain free trade agreements (including Uruguay Round Agreements) between the United States and foreign countries; and (2) report to the Congressional Trade Agreement Review Committee regarding such agreements, including analyses of specified subjects and of each agreement, as well as whether the country has a democratic form of government that respects certain core labor rights and fundamental human rights, protects intellectual property rights, and enforces environmental laws.Declares that [...]

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Latest Action: 05/20/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4489-4490)

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission to assess needs and provide recommendations to improve foreign intelligence and information collection, analysis, and reporting and for other purposes.

5/20/2008--Introduced.

Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission Act - Establishes in the legislative branch a Foreign Intelligence and Information Commission to undertake certain evaluations, and provide recommendations, relating to the collection, coordination, and reporting of foreign intelligence and information.

Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Select Committee on Intelligence. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Rockefeller. With written report No. 110-333. Additional and Minority views filed.

Bill Text
An original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2009 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. 5/8/2008--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 - Title I: Budget and Personnel Authorizations - (Sec. 101) Authorizes appropriations for FY2009 for the conduct of intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the: (1) Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI); (2) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); (3) Department of Defense (DOD); (4) Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA); (5) National Security Agency (NSA); (6) Departments of the Army,[...]

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Latest Action: 05/08/2008 - Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the co

Bill Text
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to suspend the highway fuels taxes, to provide for a Joint Committee on Earmark Reform, and to prohibit earmarking for the remainder of the 110th Congress. 5/8/2008--Introduced. Gas Tax Relief and Earmark Moratorium Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to suspend excise taxes on gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene between May 26, 2008, and September 1, 2008. Reimburses the Highway Trust Fund for any reduction in revenues resulting from such suspension.Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer amounts from the general fund of the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund if the Secretary determines that the amount in such Fund is insufficient to meet anticipated payments for FY2009. Establishes a Joint Select Committee on Earmark Reform to study and report on the practices of Congress and the executive branch regarding earmarks in appropriations, tax, and tariff measures.Declares it not in order in [...]

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Latest Action: 06/05/2008 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Bill Text
To make technical corrections to the laws affecting certain administrative authorities of the United States Capitol Police, and for other purposes. 6/4/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) United States Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections Act of 2008 - Makes technical amendments to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2001 with respect to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Capitol Police. Repeals requirements that the Comptroller General be involved in the process of hiring and evaluating the CAO. (Thus, grants such authority solely to the Chief of the Capitol Police.)Transfers the CAO's authority to the Chief of Police over the personnel of the Capitol Police Office of Administration.Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2008 to terminate the Chief of Police's authority at the end of FY2012 to make advance payments for U.S. Capitol Police obligations for subscription [...]

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Latest Action: 04/03/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Bill Text
To establish a commission to study methods for improving and promoting bilateral renewable energy cooperation between the United States and India, and for other purposes. 4/3/2008--Introduced. Clean Energy Partnership with India Act of 2008 - Establishes in the legislative branch the Congressional Commission on Renewable Power Technology Commerce with India to: (1) study methods for improvement and promotion of bilateral renewable energy cooperation between the United States and India; and (2) recommend to Congress and the President methods and strategies to develop joint energy policy between the United States and India for reliable energy throughout India using renewable, environmentally-friendly means of production. Requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on: (1) the extent to which energy is reliably available in India and what portion of it is produced through renewable means; (2) estimated investment, export, and job creation potential if U.S. industry [...]

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Latest Action: 09/22/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To make certain reforms with respect to the Government Accountability Office, and for other purposes. 9/22/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on August 1, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Requires: (1) the Comptroller General to provide for a pay increase to covered Government Accountability Office (GAO) officers and employees if the increase that would otherwise take effect would be less than the required minimum percentage (equal to the total annual pay adjustment for General Schedule positions within a pay locality); and (2) nonpermanent merit pay to a such an officer or employee to be decreased by an amount equal to the portion of such person's basic pay that is attributable to the increase provided by this Act.Defines a "covered officer or employee" to mean a [...]

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Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H1543-1544; text of measure as introduced: CR H1544)

Bill Text
Raising a question of the privileges of the House. 3/12/2008--Introduced. Declares that the House: (1) denounces any violations of House rules by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Members of the Democratic leadership in the strongest terms possible; (2) rejects the practices of holding votes open beyond a reasonable period of time for the sole purpose of circumventing the will of the House; and (3) directs the Speaker to take such steps as necessary to prevent any further abuse. Vacates the votes on ordering the previous question and adoption of House Resolution 1031 (adopting H.Res. 895). Directs the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate and report to the House on: (1) violations of House rules by the Speaker and such Members; and (2) its findings and recommendations to the House, including a recommendation regarding the appropriate actions for the Speaker's activities. Directs the Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities [...]

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Latest Action: 03/04/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish the House Ethics Commission.

3/4/2008--Introduced.

Establishes within the House of Representatives an independent House Ethics Commission.

Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House to revise the duties of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to conform with this Act.

Latest Action: 01/30/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S501)

Bill Text
A resolution establishing a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts to conduct activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to fight the war on terrorism. 1/30/2008--Introduced. Establishes the Special Committee on War and Reconstruction Contracting to investigate the awarding and performance of contracts to conduct military, security, and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to support the prosecution of the war on terrorism. Requires investigation, in particular, of allegations of wasteful and fraudulent practices, including allegations regarding any contract or spending entered into, supervised by, or otherwise involving the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), regardless of whether or not such contract or spending involved U.S. appropriated funds. Declares that it is the sense of the Senate that any claim of fraud, waste, or abuse under the False Claims Act that involves any contract or spending [...]

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Latest Action: 01/29/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to make certain reforms with respect to the Government Accountability Office, and for other purposes. 1/29/2008--Introduced. Government Accountability Office Act of 2008 - Revises certain administrative requirements for the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Requires the Comptroller General (not the President, as currently) to appoint the Deputy Comptroller General, who shall serve at the Comptroller General's pleasure. Establishes an Office of the Inspector General in GAO. Requires the Comptroller General's annual report to Congress to assess the overall degree of federal agency cooperation with GAO audits. Requires any executive agency (or component) that prepares an audited financial statement (or related schedule) to reimburse GAO the cost of any GAO audit. Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to revise the coverage of certain GAO officers and employees under its financial disclosure requirements. Increases from [...]

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Latest Action: 10/20/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To establish the Office of the Capitol Visitor Center within the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, headed by the Chief Executive Officer for Visitor Services, to provide for the effective management and administration of the Capitol Visitor Center, and for other purposes. 3/5/2008--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on March 3, 2008. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008 - Title I: Administration and Management of Capitol Visitor Center - Subtitle A: Description of Facility - (Sec. 102) Grants authority to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the House Committee on House Administration (supervising Committees) to exercise policy review and oversight over the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). (Sec. 103) Declares that certain "unassigned" expansion space for the Senate [...]

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Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1031, H. Res. 895 is considered passed House as amended. (consideration: CR H1534-1537; text as passed: CR H1534-1536)

Bill Text
Establishing within the House of Representatives an Office of Congressional Ethics, and for other purposes. 3/11/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) (Sec. 1) Establishes an independent Office of Congressional Ethics in the House of Representatives. Establishes a board to govern the Office, consisting of six individuals, three of them nominated by the Speaker of the House, subject to the Minority Leader's concurrence, and three by the Minority Leader, subject to the Speaker's concurrence. Requires the Speaker and the Minority Leader each to nominate an alternate board member, subject to their respective concurrence. Sets forth: (1) procedures for filling vacancies on the board; and (2) eligibility qualifications of board members. Requires the Speaker to designate one member of the board as chairman, and the Minority Leader to designate one as cochairman. Declares that selection and appointment of [...]

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Latest Action: 12/29/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to amend titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act to extend provisions under the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP programs, and for other purposes. 12/29/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 - (Sec. 101) Title I: Increase in Physician Payment Update; Extension of the Physician Quality Reporting System - (Sec. 101) Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to: (1) increase the physician payment update; (2) revise the Physician Assistance and Quality Initiative Fund, adding limitations on expenditures; and (3) extend through 2009 the physician quality reporting system Amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 to provide for transitional bonus incentive payments for quality reporting in 2008,[...]

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Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee con

Bill Text
To establish a House ethics commission, and for other purposes.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Establishing The House Independent Commission on Standards Act - Establishes within the legislative branch The House Independent Commission on Standards.

Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to transfer to the Commission certain recommendations for administrative action and investigative duties of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct regarding Members, Delegates, the Resident Commissioner, and House officers and employees.

Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Star Print ordered on on the bill as reported.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Global Change Research Act of 1990, and for other purposes. 5/22/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007 [sic]- Title I: Amendment of the Global Change Research Act of 1990 - (Sec. 103) Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to: (1) rename the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences as the Committee on Global Change Research; and (2) replace the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology with the National Science and Technology Council established by Executive Order 12881, November 23, 1993. Defines "global change" to mean human-induced or natural changes in the global environment (including climate change and other phenomena affecting land productivity, oceans and coastal areas, freshwater resources, atmospheric chemistry, biodiversity, and ecological systems) that may alter the capacity of Earth to [...]

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Latest Action: 10/25/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S13457-13459)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a commission to ensure food safety in the United States, and for other purposes. 10/25/2007--Introduced. Food Safety Authority Modernization Act - Establishes the Congressional Bipartisan Food Safety Commission to: (1) review the U.S. food safety system and relevant statutes, studies, and reports; (2) prepare a report that summarizes information about the current system, makes specified recommendations (including on ways to modernize the system, improve coordination of food safety activities, emphasize preventative strategies, and provide to federal agencies funding mechanisms to carry out food safety responsibilities); and (3) draft statutory language that would implement the recommendations. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide the Commission specified funding and support services. Terminates budget authority to implement food and food safety provisions of the Poultry Products Inspection [...]

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Latest Action: 01/07/2008 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To provide for the transfer of the Library of Congress police to the United States Capitol Police, and for other purposes. 1/7/2008--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 17, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) U.S. Capitol Police and Library of Congress Police Merger Implementation Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Transfers each Library of Congress (LOC) police employee and each LOC civilian employee to the U.S. Capitol Police. States that: (1) a LOC Police employee shall become a member of the Capitol Police on the employee's transfer date if the Chief of the Capitol Police determines and issues a written certification that the employee meets specified eligibility requirements; and (2) if the Chief determines that such requirements are not met, then such employee shall become a civilian employee of the Capitol Police. Requires the [...]

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Latest Action: 12/26/2007 - Provisions Of Measure Incorporated into Title 6 of H.R. 2764.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a National Commission on Children and Disasters, and for other purposes. 11/6/2007--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Kids in Disasters Well-being, Safety, and Health Act of 2007 - Establishes the National Commission on Children and Disasters, which shall: (1) conduct a comprehensive study that assesses childrens' needs as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies; (2) identify, review, and evaluate existing law relevant to such needs; (3) identify, review, and evaluate the lessons learned from past disasters relative to addressing such needs; and (4) report to the President and Congress on its findings and recommendations to address such needs, including regarding the need for a national resource center on children and disasters, coordination of resources and services, administrative actions, policies, regulations, financing, and legislative [...]

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Latest Action: 02/05/2008 - Became Public Law No: 110-183.

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Commission on the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. 2/5/2008--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 19, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Commission on the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Act - Establishes the Commission on the Abolition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Sets forth Commission duties, including: (1) planning activities appropriate to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade; (2) encouraging civic, historical, educational, religious, economic entities, as well as state and local governments to participate in anniversary activities; (3) facilitating the convening of a joint meeting or joint session of the Congress for related ceremonies and activities; (4) promoting the sponsorship of related conferences and exhibitions; and (5) [...]

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Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To establish a task force to examine homelessness in the United States and make recommendations to alleviate the causes and effects of such homelessness.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

National Homelessness Task Force Act of 2007 - Establishes in the legislative branch a National Homelessness Task Force to: (1) analyze reports by federal, state, and local agencies and academic institutions relating to homelessness; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of federal programs addressing homelessness, particularly their interaction with state and local entities which also address homelessness; (3) analyze options and make recommendations to alleviate the causes and effects of such homelessness; and (4) conduct related research and develop methods to improve, federal, state, and local agency coordination.